I've always thought this would make a great book cover. Excited to enter into this contest for consideration!

If I could win the top prize, it'd be a life saver. I went to a very traditional art school (public university, no less), and illustrative styles were discouraged, but in my last two years before grabbing my BFA, I ignored that completely and explored the style I really wanted to achieve. I'm glad I did, but I had no support and no instruction on how to carry my style into a career in illustration. I've been blindly attempting that career for the last 3 years, and as much as I listen to podcasts, read up on it, and try to apply illustration career advice for myself, I just can't get my confidence where I wish it to be in business, promotion, and even with the commissions I do manage to get. I can't afford to any further schooling, so winning the Illustration Academy tuition is sort of my last chance at getting any real instruction. So, crossing my fingers!

The original piece measures 14" x 18" and was created with watercolor.

Would I be able to paint a piece inspired by/based on this painting? I would give you full credit, of course, and it wouldn't be sold or anything. It's for my painting class—we have to match an art piece with a song. In case you're curious, I would pair it with Mad World by Gary Jules.